Quick answer: The cost to move from Phoenix to San Diego ranges from $449 to $5,961 and the journey will take approximately one to four days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 355-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Phoenix guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Phoenix, there are 47 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Phoenix, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Phoenix you can trust with your Phoenix to San Diego relocation.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Phoenix to San Diego
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Phoenix to San Diego, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Phoenix to San Diego with less stress and more peace of mind.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Phoenix?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AZ to CA move
The top local movers servicing Phoenix to San Diego moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Phoenix that also handles long-distance moves to San Diego. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Phoenix who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Phoenix to San Diego.
- Camelback Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Beltmann Relocation Group: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Get Your Move On: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1635834
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 751097
Alternate Names: Beltmann Group Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $170/hr
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1885055
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix to San Diego?
Phoenix movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,209 - $3,686 | $804 - $1,885 | $404 - $808 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,278 - $5,961 | $1,470 - $2,778 | $449 - $950 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,511 - $8,231 | $1,814 - $3,399 | $550 - $1,058 |
Cost to hire movers from Arizona to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Arizona to California typically costs between $1,209 and $3,686. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,278 and $5,961 when moving from AZ to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Arizona to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $3,511 up to $8,231.
Cost of moving containers from Arizona to California
Moving containers from Arizona to California will cost you $804 to $1,885 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,470 to $2,778. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,814 to $3,399. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $404 and $808. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $449 to $950. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $550 and $1,058.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Phoenix to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Phoenix to San Diego
San Diego typically comes with higher living costs — around 41% more for singles and 48% more for families than Phoenix.
Singles pay roughly $3,346 vs. $2,369; families average $7,719 vs. $5,226.
Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 70% higher than in Phoenix.
- The home prices in San Diego are 144.1% higher than in Phoenix, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 13.0% higher than in Phoenix. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 41.2% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 47.7% higher than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate is about the same in San Diego and Phoenix.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 9.88% lower than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 432.00% higher than in Phoenix.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Phoenix with San Diego.
Phoenix | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $256.54 | $277.55 |
Cell phone plan | $75.22 | $66.79 |
Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $5.26 |
Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.5 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $21 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $100 |
Gym membership | $34.08 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Phoenix than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Phoenix than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Phoenix than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Phoenix than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Phoenix than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Phoenix than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Phoenix than in San Diego.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. San Diego
San Diego | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 1,608,139 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 53 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 56 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 53.06 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 46.94 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Diego's population is about 14% less than Phoenix.
- San Diego's public transportation has a similar score to Phoenix.
- San Diego is more walkable than Phoenix with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Phoenix's 41 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Phoenix, which has a score of 56 out of 100.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than Phoenix with a score of 39.83 compared to Phoenix's 53.06. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Phoenix with a safety index of 60.17 vs Phoenix's 46.94.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Phoenix it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
Ready to relocate to America's Finest City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Diego From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to San Diego?
The best time to move from Phoenix to San Diego is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Phoenix.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Phoenix to San Diego in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Phoenix to San Diego take?
The 355-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA, takes one to four days. Some Phoenix movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Diego.
Do movers in Phoenix offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Phoenix offer AAA member savings. 2 movers provide military discounts. 4 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
Which movers in Phoenix offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 46 movers in Phoenix have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 33 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across AZ, there are 65 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2173 and 1399.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.